In an effort to increase the safety and provide a more enjoyable atmosphere for our parish community, changes were implemented during the 2012 festival. Increasingly over the past years we have visitors to our festival that cause problems. These problematic visitors tend to not purchase any food, play games, or ride rides. They cause unnecessary congestion and problems. To deter unwelcome visitors without additional impacts to our parishioners and surrounding community members, the below changes are being made. While inevitably there will be some that disagree with the changes please keep in mind the goal is to provide a safe and more enjoyable festival atmosphere overall.
Fenced Perimeter:
The perimeter of the St. Simon grounds will be fenced in. All visitors must enter through a front entrance gate.
Increased Security Personnel:
Throughout the festival grounds there will be increased uniform and undercover security. The front entrance will have uniformed police officers from Lawrence and IMPD monitoring visitors.
Remote Security Monitoring:
Security cameras will be used to monitor and react to unacceptable behavior.
Increased Lighting:
Additional lighting will be placed throughout the festival, especially on the east end.
Unaccompanied Minors:
No unaccompanied minors will be permitted to enter the festival grounds after 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. All minors (18 and Under) must have a parent or legal guardian with them to gain admission.
REMEMBER – THESE NEW PROCEDURES HAVE THE BEST INTENTIONS TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE FESTIVAL ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL!